Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority

10/21/2026

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) invites qualified firms or teams to submit statements of qualifications to provide transportation, civil, and multimodal engineering services for the US 12 Scenic Byway Technical Study, to be completed by December 1, 2027. The selected engineering consultant will join an RDA-led consultant team preparing a coordinated regional framework for U.S. 12 in Lake and Porter Counties that advances lakefront access, tourism, safety, mobility, environmental stewardship, and corridor revitalization across Northwest Indiana.

The RFQ can be downloaded at https://www.in.gov/rda/rfprfq.

The study will implement the vision and recommendations of the RDA Comprehensive Strategic Plan by producing a Corridor Management Plan, an Indiana Dunes State Park Access Study, and a prioritized implementation program. The work will support an Indiana Byway Program application, position the corridor for a potential future National Scenic Byway nomination, and prepare high-priority projects for grant and capital funding. Final documentation should address the six federally recognized intrinsic qualities and clearly distinguish between state designation requirements and those associated with a future federal nomination.
The RDA President and CEO, staff, and consultants will lead the overall process, including project management, committee coordination, stakeholder engagement, corridor visioning, intrinsic-qualities documentation, Corridor Management Plan preparation, and integration of the final study. The selected engineering consultant will serve as the technical engineering lead and will coordinate with the RDA, the other lead consultants, INDOT, NIRPC, Indiana DNR, the National Park Service, municipalities, tourism organizations, transportation providers, and other corridor partners.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience in scenic byway and active, multi-modal corridors; civil and environmental engineering, access, and environmental analysis; traffic, transportation, and multimodal engineering, including roadway, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit systems; state park access requirements and best practices; federalized land requirements; documentation of the six federally recognized intrinsic qualities; and state and federal scenic byway designation requirements.

The Authority will determine whether a composite team or individual firms will best meet the objectives of the project mission. The RDA also reserves the right to select one or more individual firms, rather than accept a composite team as proposed.

10/09/2026

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) invites qualified firms or teams to submit statements of qualifications to provide architectural and design services for a new multi-modal rail station and associated parking garage in downtown Gary, Indiana.

The selected firm will complete final design, environmental clearance, and advanced engineering to deliver a modern, ADA-accessible, multimodal transit hub. The revitalized station will replace the deteriorated Adam Benjamin Metro Center with a safe, efficient regional node serving commuter rail, local and intercity bus, and regional trail and first/last mile networks as a single, integrated multimodal facility. This project will be led by RDA leadership with the assistance of a set of existing consultants. The RDA is requesting qualifications for technical services to supplement existing team expertise. The City of Gary is a key stakeholder and will be an active participant in all process flows of this project; including, selection of Architect, design reviews, and milestone approvals.

The RDA is requesting responses from firms or teams qualified in the following disciplines to assist the RDA with:

Pre-Construction Services: Site analysis, survey, geotechnical investigations (if not already provided), preliminary design, cost estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, value engineering, and permitting.

Architecture and Engineering Design: Complete architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, interiors, and environmental (Phase 1/2/3), ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and Owner requirements.

The RDA reserves the right to make one total award, one award for each section, multiple awards, or a combination of awards, and to exercise its judgment concerning the selection of one or more proposals, the terms of any resultant agreement(s), and the determination of which, if any, proposal(s) is Most Advantageous to the RDA, as a result of this RFQ process.

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10/08/2026

More fantastic news for Hammond!

City of Hammond Announces Transformative Mixed-Use Restaurant and Residential Development at 5243–51 Hohman Avenue (former Mercantile Bank Building).

HAMMOND, IN The City of Hammond is thrilled to announce the approval of a landmark development and purchase agreement, breathing new life into an iconic downtown Hammond building and marking another milestone in the city’s downtown revival and economic development growth.

The approved agreement paves the way for the complete redevelopment of the historic commercial property located at 5243 Hohman, formerly the Mercantile National Bank Building. Owned by the Department of Redevelopment and offered through a Request for Proposals, the awarded project will bring vibrant new energy into already busy Hohman Avenue corridor. The development plan will transform the building into two exciting ground-floor restaurants complemented by 24 residential units spanning the top four floors.

This major announcement arrives on the heels of significant regional infrastructure, most notably the highly anticipated downtown Hammond Train Station on the South Shore Monon Corridor, which remains calendared for completion in 2027. The Downtown Station will create a walkable transportation option for downtown workers and residents connecting them with the Chicago Loop in a little over 30 minutes.

"Downtown Hammond is moving with incredible momentum and speed," said Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. "Projects like this new development at the old Mercantile Bank prove that investors and entrepreneurs see the potential in our city. Between the upcoming train station and continued residential and commercial growth, Hammond’s downtown is truly transforming into northwest Indiana’s premier place to live, work, and play."

Additional information regarding grand opening timelines and an upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced in the near future.

Contact Information
Juan J. Moreno
Economic Development
[email protected]

09/17/2026

City of Hammond Announces New Commercial Restaurant and Lounge Development at 475 Fayette Street

HAMMOND, IN; The City of Hammond is thrilled to announce the approval of a new development and purchase agreement in downtown Hammond that continues the city's remarkable wave of economic growth in its downtown.

The approved agreement paves the way for the redevelopment of commercial property located at 475 Fayette Street that is currently owned by the Department of Redevelopment and was offered via a Request for Proposals. The awarded proposal will transform the current space into a vibrant new restaurant and lounge owned by Hammond native and current restauranteur Batiste Haywood. The establishment will feature a full bar and be open to the public seven days a week, adding a dynamic new dining and social destination to the heart of the city.

This exciting announcement comes on the heels of major regional infrastructure milestones, including the highly anticipated downtown Hammond Train Station, which remains on track for completion in 2027.

"Downtown Hammond is moving with incredible momentum and speed," said Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. "Projects like this new development at 475 Fayette Street prove that investors and entrepreneurs see the immense potential in our city. Between the upcoming train station and continued residential and commercial growth, Hammond’s downtown is truly transforming into a premier place to live, work, and play."

“I’m excited to open another eatery in my hometown, especially with all the momentum happening in Downtown Hammond. There’s so much energy and growth taking place, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I also love the location and the fact that I’ll be just steps away from the Downtown Train Station. I think that proximity will be a great benefit for both my business and the community.” said Haywood.

More information regarding grand opening details, and an upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced soon.

Contact Information
Juan J. Moreno
Economic Development
[email protected]

09/14/2026

AJ Bytnar is making the rounds to tell communities along the South Shore Line about money available for transit-oriented development. Bytnar, economic development director at the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, wants communities with transit development districts surrounding train stations to know about a new $10 million credit enhancement fund aimed at kickstarting projects in those districts. Since the districts were authorized by the Indiana General Assembly in 2017, a lot has happened, including tax policy changes and construction costs, he noted in a TDD steering committee meeting Thursday. The $10 million credit enhancement fund is meant to reassure lenders that their money will be paid back as financing packages are stitched together for individual projects. Bytnar anticipates negotiating on projects individually to customize a deal for each community and each project to help them move forward. “This is to be a catalyst for these things, not to be a permanent condition,” he said.

AJ Bytnar is making the rounds to tell communities along the South Shore Line about money available for transit-oriented development.

09/10/2026

The town of Dyer is moving forward on a $243 million mixed-use development in the town’s Transit Development District that officials say will bolster economic development for the community. Link to full story below ⬇

09/09/2026

A luxury transit-oriented development being built in Michigan City’s North End is in the spotlight, according to the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC). The Franklin at 11th Street Station was recently named the Large Population Project of the Year by the Mid-America Economic Development Council. The annual awards recognize outstanding endeavors in economic development efforts with the Project of the Year highlighting a collaborative project having significant and measurable impact on a city, county or region. “Our team is honored to accept this award that underscores the value of collaboration, synergy and momentum that we have cultivated here in Michigan City,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse. “The award represents the power of the EDCMC, City of Michigan City and Flaherty & Collins uniting to have a significant effect on our downtown and beyond,” he added.

MICHIGAN CITY — A luxury transit-oriented development being built in Michigan City’s North End is in the spotlight, according to the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC).

09/08/2026

A massive development in Dyer is the first to receive money through Northwest Indiana’s transit development district financing plan. The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority approved a memorandum of agreement Wednesday to provide funds to support the town’s $23 million commitment to the Central Park Commons development, expected to cost more than $200 million. The development includes a grocery, fitness club, Hilton brand hotel, shops, restaurants, 363 townhomes and 199 units of senior housing, RDA President and CEO Sherri Ziller said. The town approved the economic development agreement for the project last month. The transit development district surrounds the South Shore Line’s nearby Munster/Dyer station. The district was formed in 2022 to provide incentives for this kind of economic development project near the train stations. More...

A massive development in Dyer is the first to receive money through Northwest Indiana’s transit development district financing plan.

09/04/2026

RDA Board of Directors also approves bid for City Church, St. Mary’s hospital demos and hears updates on the Land Development Entity and US 12 Scenic Byway projects. The Board of Directors of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority today welcomed a $243 million investment in the Town ...

09/04/2026

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is continuing work on its goal of establishing an official scenic byway along U.S. 12, which it hopes will help promote the national and state parks and facilitate transportation-related improvements that will ease access to the variety of park sites and enhance public safety. RDA President and CEO Sherri Ziller said the next step in the process is a technical study that will form the basis of a corridor management plan. “What the study will do is it will assess opportunities to better connect U.S. 12 with Indiana Dunes National and State parks and the Marquette Greenway communities in Lake and Porter counties, while identifying strategies to create a destination corridor that attracts private investment and supports small businesses and tourism and housing,” Ziller said at Thursday’s meeting of the RDA board of directors. More...

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority's goal is national and state designations of U.S. 12 as a scenic byway.